Members of the public are advised to be aware of an international online scam where people are being deceived into sending money to clear parcels from various overseas locations.
The Cyber Crime Unit has received one report whereby a woman from Labasa had sent close to $2,000 to a person claiming to be a Customs official at an international location to clear a parcel that was arranged to be sent over to her through social media.
The scam involves social media users being promised items such as laptops, phones, clothes, perfumes and other valuables that will be sent through a courier service.
The person will then ask for a postal address and phone contact and a confirmation will be sent to that a parcel has been sent.
After a few days someone will call claiming to be a Customs official asking to send a certain amount of money to clear the parcel as it contained valuables that exceeded the transit value.
To date Police have two reports of locals sending money in relation to this scam with the first being case of the Labasa woman who sent close to $2,000 and the second, a case whereby a woman had sent $200.
The second complainant then contacted the Cybercrime Unit and was advised not to send any more money.
Police are also receiving enquiries from members of the public regarding the reliability of information received through social media.
Different user names are being used which is why Police are urging social media users to be aware of this scam.
Anyone with questions or queries is requested to call Cyber Crime Unit on 9904219.
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